The Boy Who Was Afraid to Speak
by Namu Marupudi
Daniel loves books, drawing and his dog Max — but when he has to speak in front of others, his tummy fills with butterflies.
Read for Me opens the full-screen reader with narration; titles with read-along timing also highlight the words as they are read.
About this story
Daniel is a kind and clever boy who loves reading, drawing colorful pictures, and playing with his dog Max. But he has a big secret hidden inside: whenever he has to speak in front of other people, his tummy fills with fluttering butterflies, his heart beats fast, his hands tremble — and his words seem to hide somewhere deep inside where he can't find them. Then his teacher Miss Clara announces the thing Daniel dreads most: a show-and-tell next Friday. The class cheers; Daniel sinks low in his chair, face bright red. His best friend Leo notices, and asks gently, 'Are you scared?' 'What if I forget all my words? What if everyone laughs at me?' Leo puts a friendly hand on his shoulder: 'Everyone feels scared sometimes. But you are brave, Daniel. I know you are!' And at home, Mom hugs him tight with the words that steady him: 'Being brave means doing something even when you're scared.' A warm companion for any child who dreads speaking up.
- Butterflies — the fluttery feeling in your tummy when you're nervous
- Tremble — to shake a little, like scared hands
- Announce — to tell everyone something important
- Dread — to fear something that's coming
- Brave — doing it anyway, even when scared
- Practice — trying again and again until it gets easier
- Encourage — to give someone brave words
- Confidence — believing your words will come
Similar themes
View all
Share a review
Tell other families what your child thought of this story. Reviews appear here once we’ve read them.
Write a review
Reviews come from families with an account. Sign in to share what your child thought.